4 Trades the Royals Could Make Before Opening Day

This article takes a look at the Kansas City Royals’ offseason outlook and pushes back on the idea that their options are shrinking. Sure, national reports say the Royals probably won’t land big outfielders like Brendan Donovan or Jarren Duran, but the MLB hot stove is always shifting. Every major signing or trade sends out ripples, and those could still benefit Kansas City.

Why the Royals’ Outfield Picture Looks Unsettled

Ken Rosenthal recently said the Royals are getting less likely to acquire Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals or Jarren Duran from the Red Sox. If that happens, Kansas City would have to lean on offseason additions Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas, top prospect Jac Caglianone, and defensive specialist Kyle Isbel.

But honestly, that view oversimplifies a messy market. Teams shift priorities all the time. One trade can suddenly make another GM willing to talk—front offices don’t just stick to a single plan.

The Limits of Static Offseason Analysis

Baseball offseasons never move in a straight line. A signing in Boston or New York can quietly change Kansas City’s trade leverage, even if the Royals do nothing.

How Recent MLB Moves Change the Math

The Red Sox signing Ranger Suárez and making moves involving Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker show how quickly things shift. These deals changed Boston’s appetite for moving pitching prospects, so names like Cole Ragans or Kris Bubic don’t look as appealing as trade chips now.

Kansas City’s shot at getting Jarren Duran dropped—not because the Royals messed up, but because Boston’s needs changed. And that same logic can flip in the Royals’ favor if the market shifts again.

Domino Effects That Could Help Kansas City

If a contender fills a spot in free agency, another team might need to rebalance. Suddenly, doors that looked closed before might crack open.

The Mets, Donovan, and Unexpected Opportunities

The Mets picking up Bichette could be another turning point. With infield playing time getting tight, New York might feel pressure to move young, controllable guys like Brett Baty or Mark Vientos.

Those players could end up as direct Royals targets or just shake up the market for someone like Brendan Donovan. If teams look to the Mets’ surplus, St. Louis might see Donovan’s value or his list of suitors change.

Three-Team Trades Are Still on the Table

These situations often end up with creative, three-way trades. That’s where Kansas City can fill holes without giving up their best prospects.

Pitching Decisions That Will Shape the Market

Where free-agent starters like Framber Valdez and Suárez sign will ripple through the league. If Valdez signs elsewhere, teams that miss out might get aggressive in trade talks for arms like Kris Bubic.

That could let Kansas City put together a deal that fills more than one roster need. If Bubic looks healthy in Spring Training, that’ll only help.

High-Risk, High-Reward Options

The Royals could even take a swing at someone like Kodai Senga. But honestly, that would almost definitely mean giving up top prospects like Blake Mitchell.

Using Payroll Flexibility to Improve the System

One path folks don’t talk about much is shedding salary to add depth. Kansas City could shop veteran relievers with manageable contracts:

• Thomas Falter ($3.6M)
• John Schreiber ($3.715M)

Moving those deals could clear payroll and bring back mid-level prospects. That’s a big deal for a team that’s a little thin in upper-level farm talent.

Patience Remains the Royals’ Best Asset

The Royals’ offseason isn’t even close to finished. Splashy names keep disappearing, but shifting priorities around the league can still open up value for a front office that waits things out.

With strategic trades and smart payroll moves, Kansas City still has ways to improve the roster before Opening Day. Some of those opportunities haven’t even popped up yet—but they will.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Ignore Ken Rosenthal. Here are fou more moves the Royals could make before Opening Day